|
|
Vasai is located about 50-km North of
Bombay , on the
Arabian Sea. The Portuguese formerly called it Bassein (Baçaim) and
then by the British, it also had various other names during the course of
history. The town is historically important too. It was part of the
territory of the Hindu Devgiri Yadavas until 1317; later it became a
seaport for the Gujarat Muslim kings.
In 1526, the Portuguese established a fort (now in ruins) and a trading
station, and the town became known for its ship building industry. After
frequent but unsuccessful attacks by the Mughals in the 17th century, it
fell to the Marathas in 1739 and was later taken by the British. Vasai
during the Portuguese period was known for the refinement and wealth and
splendor of its buildings, palaces and for the beauty of its churches.
Bassein, on the mainland northwest of Bombay, was a large
Portuguese enclave, second only to Goa, until 1739. The most significant
past in Vasai's history is the rein of the Portuguese, since they largely
influenced or changed to what Vasai-Virar area is today. The northern
holdings of the Portuguese, including Daman and Diu, were governed from
this center. The fort and the hinterland around it were lost to the
Marathas in a campaign, which lasted two years and ended in complete
Maratha supremacy. 
When Portuguese arrived, Bassein was under the rule of Bahadur Shah a
ruler of Bombay. In 1528, Captain Heytor de Silveira captured and burnt
the city of Bassein. In 1532, the Portuguese attacked Bassein again and
after a weak resistance, they entered the smaller fort and destroyed it.
Subsequently, the towns of Thana, Bandora (Bandra), Mahim and Bombaim
(Bombay) were put under Portuguese control.
In December 1534, Bahadur Shah signed a treaty with the Portuguese and
ceded Bassein with its dependencies of Salsette, Bombaim (Bombay), Parel,
Vadala, Siao (Sion), Vorli (Worli), Mazagao (Mazgao), Thana, Bandra,
Mahim, and Caranja. In the second half of 16th century the Portuguese
built a new fortress enclosing a whole town with in the fort walls. This
fort stands till today with the outer shell and ruins of churches.
At the end of 17th century Bassein reached the height of the prosperity.
From 1611, Bassein and the whole region under the Portuguese had a mint or
"Casa da Moeda". These old coins were found occasionally during
digs and were locally called "Firgi paisa".
In February 1739, Chimaji Appa attacked Bassein and after a desperate
resistance on 16th May 1739 the Portuguese signed surrender. The
Portuguese lost eight cities, four chief ports, twenty fortress, two
fortified hills, the island of Salcete (Salsette) with the city and the
fortress of Thana, the "Ilha das Vaccas", the island of Karanjà
(Juem), and 340 villages. They left Bassein on 23rd May 1739. After 205
years of uninterrupted Portuguese rule, Bassein was progressively
neglected, and the neighboring English Bombay assumed importance in trade
and commerce. In 1801 in Poona (Pune), Jaswant Rao Holkar rose in
rebellion with a huge army and defeated the combined armies of Daulat Rao
Sindhia and Peshwa Baji Rao II and captured the city of Poona. Peshwa Baji
Rao took refuge in Bassein. The defeated Baji Rao had no hesitation in
accepting the Subsidiary Alliance with the British and signed the Treaty
of Bassein with East India Company on December 31, 1802. In May 1803 Baji
Rao II was restored as Peshwa under the protection of the British. The
treaty of Bassein eventually led to expansion and influence of the East
India Company over the Indian subcontinent.
Vasai (Bassein)
Fort
Bassein
Fort also known, as Vasai Fort is an important sea fort located in
Bassein, present day Vasai, at about 55-km away from Mumbai. Built by
Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat, it was initially one of a chain of forts
intended to guard the coast against the Portuguese and the pirates.
Aagashi Jain Mandir
About 5-km from Virar, there is a 400 years old ancient Parshwanath
Temple. During "Kartik Poornima" every year, a very big festival
is organised at this temple, which is visited by large number of devotees.
Food and accommodation facilities are made available to those who visit
this place. The saints in the assembly hall of the temple conduct a
religious lecture.
Arnala Fort
Arnala fort was built on Arnala Island, approximately 8 miles North of
Vasai. It is surrounded on all sides by water and so is also known as "Jaldurg"
or "Janjire Arnala".
Chinchoti
Waterfalls
The Chinchoti waterfalls located to the east of Vasai are a popular
picnic spot for the young crowds from Mumbai City. In the center of the
thick forest is this waterfall, which flows continuously from June to
October. The waterfall is about 100ft. high and 20ft. broad. Tourists
visit this place to enjoy the falls. This wonderful waterfall makes a
great monsoon getaway. But on weekends it might seem as though the entire
population of Mumbai is here.
Holy Christ Church
On the hill beside the town of Mahabaleshwar stands the Holy Christ
church. This church was built in 1842, is a place worth visiting. With its
beautiful stained glass window still intact, the squatters now occupying
the church will happily allow you in for a peek.
Jiwadani
Jiwadani" means "Goddess of Life". The mountain on which
the temple is situated is known as "Mount Jiwadani". It takes
about half an hour from Virar and about 40 to 45 minutes to walk over the
mountain to have "Darshan" of Goddess Jiwadani.
Virar
Virar is linked to Mumbai
by local suburban railway with regular train service from Church gate to
Virar. It is the last station on the suburban railway. Virar is also
connecting point for shuttle service to Palghar and Dahanu.
Vajreshawari
Vajreshwari is a small village about 31-km from Vasai and 85-km from
Mumbai City. Vajreshwari is named after the goddess Vajreshwari whose
temple has historical importance. This temple looks like an ancient fort.
The idol of the goddess is very impressive and is being worshipped for
last few centuries. After the Victory of Vasai Fort, Chimaji Appa, the
younger brother of Bajirao Peshwa built this Temple besides the Mandakini
Mountain, which was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. That is the
reason why there are number of hot water streams near this place. In fact,
some of the hot springs here are hottest in Asia.
Sopara
Sopara was an ancient port and an international trading center. The most
likely route of ships coming to Sopara is from the North. It is believed
that the water once extended all the way to Bhyander creek thus making the
whole area extending from Arnala to Bhyander an island - referred to as
Salsatte Island. In the time of the Buddha, Sopara, (Ancient Shurparaka),
was an important port and a gateway settlement. Between Virar and
Nala-Sopara, somewhere halfway between the two stations, there is a small
hill to the east of the railway. On top of that hill was a stone built
structure.
Nirmal
A small green village at a distance of around 6-kms from Vasai is a
pilgrim spot for Shurpara Nagar. There are "Samadhi" meditation
spots of Parshuram and Shankaracharya - also the temples of "Suleshwar"
and "Kartik Swami". A fair is organized every year at this place
during "Kartik Ekadashi".
Air: The nearest airport is
Mumbai (50-km). It
has both national and international airports.
Rail: The nearest railway station is on Vasai road on the western
railway. Only few trains pass through the station.
Road: Vasai being an important tourist place is well connected by
road with all the places in Maharashtra. MTDC and
Maharashtra State service ply buses from almost all the important places.
Vasai is 50-kms from Mumbai so tourists have the option to stay at the hotels available in Mumbai or Vasai.
Hospitals:
Navjeevan Hospital
Our Lady Hospital
Dr. Kulur's Hospital
Sanjeevani (Virar)
Golden Park Hospital
Madhura Hospital
Cardinal Gracious Hospital
Dr. Fadia Hospital
Dr. Joshi Hospital
Banks:
ICICI
Vimal Shopping Center,
Main Road,
Near Post office,
Vasai Road (West),
Thane - 401202
Population: 83,734 (1991census)
Climate: Tropical
Clothing: Light cotton
STD Code: 02763
Nirmal: 6-km
Vrajeshwari: 31-km
Mumbai : 50-km